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What is an Organic Insecticide?
An organic insecticide is a pesticide that uses only natural components to kill bugs. In many cases, organic materials used to repel insects are also called organic insecticides. This is not a true insecticide, but rather a repellent. Organic insecticides can be made from a number of different materials, but what many people most appreciate about them is that they are a relatively safe form of pest control in most cases.
It is possible to make an organic insecticide from a number of different substances. It is also possible to buy them commercially. It should be noted that many organic insecticides are meant to only target a certain species or a few different species. Therefore, those who have a variety of insect species they wish to treat will likely need more than one type of organic insecticide.
One common type of organic insecticide uses garlic. Garlic oil, if sprayed on a pond, can kill mosquito larvae. Garlic is also a popular product use to repel a number of harmful insects, such as chiggers, borers and other types of pests that can cause substantial damage to garden plants and fruit trees. This just is one example where common household food items or other natural products can be used in the fight against insects.
Commercial products are often marketed for a certain species of pest as well. For example, one organic insecticide advertises its ability to entice mosquitoes to lay their eggs in a container, where they are then killed, effectively reducing the population in a general area. Due to the fact mosquitoes usually stay in the area where they were hatched, this type of organic insecticide trap can be very effective.
The benefits of organic insecticide products are: the ability to repel different harmful insects but not repel or kill beneficial ones, the ability to manufacture varieties at home and its safety around children an animals. Most synthetic pesticides work by affecting the central nervous system of the insect. In certain amounts, this can affect humans and other animals as well. Those who may need larger amounts may find it economical to make their own and many recipes are available on the internet.
Those interested in using an organic pesticide should also be warned that just because a pesticide is made organically does not mean it is entirely without any safety hazards. While most homemade concoctions will not possess dangerous chemicals, buying an organic insecticide from a commercial source offers no such guarantee. Therefore, just as with traditional pesticides, it is important to read all labels and follow all instructions.
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![A number of organic insecticides may help kill mosquitoes.]()
By: hjschneiderA number of organic insecticides may help kill mosquitoes. -
![Organic insecticide is made without synthetic ingredients.]()
By: HemeroskopionOrganic insecticide is made without synthetic ingredients. -
![It is possible to make an organic insecticide from a number of different sources.]()
By: Tan Kian KhoonIt is possible to make an organic insecticide from a number of different sources. -
![Garlic can repel a number of insects, and so it's commonly used in organic insecticide.]()
By: natalykaGarlic can repel a number of insects, and so it's commonly used in organic insecticide. -
![Most people who buy organically grown foods do so in order to reduce their exposure to toxic commercial pesticides.]()
By: Leon ForadoMost people who buy organically grown foods do so in order to reduce their exposure to toxic commercial pesticides.
Discussion Comments
What's in garlic and chili pepper that can kill mosquitoes? Why?
@ddljohn-- The organic insecticide products sold in stores are pretty good. But you might want to check the ingredients list to make sure that it really is organic and natural. And don't spray these directly on the soil, spray it on the leaves of the plants. Because they can end up killing even the good insects and creatures in the soil.
I personally think it's better to prepare an insecticide at home if you can. Ivory soap and water is a good organic insecticidal. It sounds simple but can get rid of many different kinds of insects that munch away on plants.If you need something stronger, add some chili pepper flakes to it. That should get rid of them.
@ddljohn-- Do you know which type of insect you're dealing with? If you can figure that out, you can look for an organic insecticide specifically aimed at it.
If you want something that repels insects in general, you can use rosemary tea as insecticide spray. That's what my sister does. She basically makes tea with rosemary by steeping dry or fresh rosemary in hot water. When that water is cool, she sprays all the plants with it. I think the scent or the oils in the rosemary are repulsive to insects so they stay away.
I sometimes have plant lice (aphids) on my trees and plants. But those really don't require insecticide. Spraying the plants and trees with water is usually enough to get rid of them.
My husband and I have recently started planting some veggies and fruits in our yard. Right now we have tomatoes, green beans, a watermelon and some strawberries. For the past week, I've noticed that more and more tomato and green bean leaves are being eaten by insects.
My husband wanted to get some chemical insecticide but I didn't allow him. Can anyone suggest a good organic insecticide for vegetables?
I'm open to using natural insecticides that we can make at home too. I just want something that's going to be effective and affordable, and of course non-toxic. That's the most important because we have two dogs that spend a lot of time in the yard around the plants.
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